Get ready for an exciting 53 days for the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, celebrating two delicious decades from September 25 – November 16.
Now noted as one of America’s top food festivals by the Travel Channel, the 20th rendition promises plenty of celebrity chefs and new marketplaces, but also traditions that guests look forward to each year.
Look for favorite chefs such as Cat Cora, Jamie Deen, John Ash, Robert Irvine and Buddy Valastro onstage for demos and premium events (John Ash was at the very first Epcot fest back in 1996, and returns for 2015.) In all, more than 270 Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the U.S. will be showcased.
And for those who can’t wait to take a trip around the world at the 25-plus Marketplace kiosks, look for both new dishes (pepper bacon mac ‘n cheese at Farm Fresh Marketplace, seared venison loin in New Zealand) and returning classics (yes, the pierogies are still there in Poland, as well as Belgian waffles and kalua pork sliders in Hawaii). Wines, beers, Champagne, cocktails and mocktails are paired with good eats at each stop.
Eat to the Beat concerts are already lined up (see Charles Stovall’s blog post last week) with favorites such as Tiffany, Chaka Khan, Boyz II Men and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. And the favorite Party for the Senses grand tasting events are back every Saturday night in October featuring more than 50 wines and beers with tempting bites from eminent chefs.
Other fun stuff: the Ocean Spray cranberry bog is back. And Chase cardholders can chill out, grab a complimentary soft drink and try some interactive fun at the Chase Lounge in American Adventure. For kids of all ages, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak takes you on a scavenger hunt for little Remy statuettes (maps, stickers and prizes are involved). New premium events includes “French Family Meal Traditions” lunches on Fridays and Saturdays, a “Rockin’ Burger Block Party” on select dates, and new beverage events including “Exploring Wines from 1996 to Now.”
Happy 20 years, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! We can’t wait to celebrate. More details to follow. When a reservation booking date is announced this summer, you can call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at epcotfoodfestival.com.
Comments
I’m also curious as to what year the Festival officially began. If it was 1995, wouldn’t this be the 21st year?
Any word on whether the premium package is coming back? We really enjoyed it last year.
Could you explain the discrepancy of the “first” EPCOT Food and Wine Festival as beginning in the Fall of 1995 or 1996?
According to your own webpage, it states that the “First Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Epcot)” was in 1995. If that’s the case then isn’t this the 21st Annual Event?
However, above you reference John Ash having attended the first “fest” in 1996 in which case then this year, 2015, would be the 20th.
I am so excited about this!! I look forward to F&W every year!!! 🙂
You list French Family Meal Traditions as Friday and Saturday, but wdwnews says “Premium events including the new “French Family Meal Traditions” lunch on Fridays and Sundays”
Which is correct?
Can’t wait to find out when the celebrity chefs will be appearing!
Joe, You can use your snack credits
I’m with you on the lamb chops Pam…They are fantastic!!!…Can’t wait for the rest of the festival either but, I wish they would bring back some more of the 69’s & 70’s groups for us older but wiser people still running around the park.
Some of the offerings you should be able to your snack credit
Does anyone know if you are able to use your meal allotments from the dining plan at the Festival?
I’m thrilled that the cranberry bog is back!
Sounds great! I attended for the first time last October and would love to make it a tradition.
Crossing my fingers and maybe even my toes that the Lamb Chop at Austrialia is going to make a return
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